Military Families Of Monroe County Offers Support

- Monroe News photo by KIM BRENT
Janet Hill (right) gives Military Families President Tammy Pierce a tearful hug of thanks for the group's support during Friday's welcome home event for Spc. George Hill, a 2010 graduate of Bedford High School who served in Afghanistan, and Airman 1st Class Samantha Sharp, a 2009 Monroe High School graduate who spent 20 months in South Korea. Spc. Hill was accompanied by members of the Patriot Guard, American Legion Riders and ABATE, after flying in from Germany, and several area fire departments in a procession through downtown Monroe to the Monroe Post 1138, Veterans of Foreign Wars hall, where he was greeted and thanked for his service by all attending.

Hero Homecomings are just one of the programs offered by Military Families of Monroe County.

MFMC is a non-profit organization based out of Monroe for the families and loved ones of those deployed and serving the country. The organization was created to provide support for military families while helping those who serve by sending care packages and other needed items.

Janet Hill said she and her husband, Rod, became involved with the organization around the same time that their son, Army Specialist George Hill, was deployed. Mrs. Hill said the organization has helped her family deal with their son’s absence.

“I really wanted to find a group that we could go to for support because we really didn’t know what to expect when George was deployed,” she said. “You have this mix of pride and fear, so it’s great to be able to talk to people who are experiencing the same things you are.”

Through the organization, Mrs. Hill said she has learned a lot about what to expect while her son is away, including the best ways to communicate with him and the best things to send to him while he’s gone.

Since its creation, MFMC has been growing, but the Hills are the only family from Bedford Township involved.

MFMC is always looking for more family to connect with, President Tammy Pierce said. Those interested in joining can connect with the group on Facebook or by contacting Mrs. Pierce at mfmc.tammie@gmail.com.